‘A presence of encouragement in the Middle East’ 

A Baptist World Alliance delegation has held dialogues with religious and political leaders in the Middle East

The regional tour in June featured visits to Egypt, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan, and focused on Christian unity, interfaith dialogue and planning for a global commemoration of the 2,000th anniversary of Jesus Christ's life and ministry.

It was led by BWA General Secretary and CEO Elijah Brown and included Charlie Costa, President of the European Baptist Federation, and Nabih Abbasi, President of the Jordanian Baptist Church and Ambassador of the Baptist World Alliance for the Middle East and North Africa.

The BWA provided regular updates through its social media, while The Christian Daily International reported on the visit. 

In Egypt, the BWA delegation met with Pope Tawadros II, laying groundwork for a formal Baptist–Coptic Orthodox dialogue and a shared vision for Christian unity ahead of the 2033 millennium commemoration. There was a meeting with Dr. al-Azhari, the government Minister of Awqaf, which oversees religious affairs for the country. The delegation discussed the importance of religious freedom and our shared commitment to pursue religious freedom for all.

The visit included a time of worship and teaching on the Acts 2 Movement with 40 leaders of the Egyptian Baptist Convention.

Moving to Lebanon, they met with Lebanese President General Joseph Aoun, presenting the BWA's global mission and discussing the vital role of Baptist churches in education, health and community development across the Arab region.
They also met with Aram I, the Armenian Apostolic Catholicos of Cilicia. Among other topics, they remembered the genocide they experienced 100 years ago and discussed how churches today can draw close to all people and serve them in the name and love of Jesus.

The delegation visited several meaningful places to the Christian faith in Syria, including the house of Ananias who prayed for Paul on Straight Street in Acts 9. They also worshipped with two Baptist churches in Syria. ‘There are 10 Baptist churches in Syria and the worship was vibrant, the sanctuary was overflowing, and in the midst of challenges following a long-running war, the believers were filled with hope and a desire to bless their nation in the name of Jesus,’ said Elijah.

In Jordan, they were encouraged by opportunities to worship with local churches, visit Jordan Evangelical Theological Seminary, meet with national Baptist and evangelical leaders, and engage in ‘meaningful dialogue‘ with the United States Ambassador to Jordan.

Elijah added, 'I am grateful for the Baptist World Alliance delegation visit to Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan as we sought to be a presence of encouragement as we met with Baptist and evangelical churches, spiritual leaders, and government leaders. 

‘In each discussion, we emphasised our desire to partner to promote peace for all people, protect the right of all people to worship God, and to encourage planning for the years 2030-2033 when all Christians will celebrate the 2000th anniversary of the baptism, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.’

Charlie Costa also told Christian Daily International the conditions in Lebanon and Syria weighed heavily on the delegation. Quoting Luke 21:25 — "There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea" — he said the verse captured the mood. 

'People are suffering economically, especially in Lebanon and Syria, and the frustration and despair were clear in people's eyes and words.'

Speaking at the BWA Annual Gathering a month later in July, Charlie noted how the visit had resulted in positive steps forward with government.